I sat in church this morning and sent up a couple of words to the Big Guy (or Gal) in favor of Tedy Bruschi. Tedy suffered a mild stroke this week and it seemed the first things reported in the newspaper or television was speculation as to whether or not Tedy could resume his career with the New England Patriots.
Tedy has had a wonderful 9 year career to date with the Patriots. He has appeared in 4 Super Bowls with the club and has 3 championship rings to show for it. In many of the NFL commercials it is the wide-eyed Tedy peering over the giant lineman from his middle linebackers position in high intensity concentration.
Tedy has made many plays, which are memorable to the Patriots fan. He is also noted for his community work and his ability in music. None of these things seem to me to be as memorable as the image of Tedy frolicking with his two little boys on the field at Jacksonville on the morning of the Super Bowl. It was a scene that might bring some moisture (privately) to the eyes of any man who has known the joys of being a father. On the biggest day in his professional life, at the pinnacle of a wonderful career, Tedy was being chased and playfully feigning being knocked to the ground by two joyous little guys named Tedy Jr. and Rex.
I hope many of us feel that it is more important for Tedy to forego any more potential risk to his health by taking any more hits to his body. The importance of Tedy to his little guys far out-weighs that of his participation in a game. It is true that it is also his work life but at 31 he has achieved so much more than many. Tedy has more important things to do now.
